Page 57 of The Kitchen Contract

I push the box toward her and watch as she rips off the paper and pulls the flaps free to peer inside. At first, she looks confused, tilting her head to the side, but then a huge grin spreads across her face as she reaches in and pulls out a smaller box.

“A princess clubhouse tent!” she reads off the side of the package. “Thank you, Uncle Alex. I love it! It’s even pink, my favorite color!” She hugs the box awkwardly.

“What else is in there?” I prompt with a smile.

Chris reaches over and takes the tent so she can pull out the rest. She oohs and ahs over a pair of fluffy lilac blankets—they reminded me so much of Nora, and I knew Olivia would love them too—and a set of pink and purple squishy pillows. Last out is a string of fairy lights and a boxed set of Rainbow Magic books.

Olivia is so happy that I see tears glistening in her eyes, and I mentally pat myself on the back. Did I set out to get the Best Uncle award today? Yes, I did. And I say, mission accomplished.

“That should be everything you need to make the coziest, most comfortable princess reading fort ever,” I tell her, holding my hand out for a high five. She slaps my hand, then wraps her arms around my waist for a hug.

“Thank you, Uncle Alex. Will you read in it with me when I get it all set up?”

“I would be honored—if you think I’ll fit.”

She examines the photo on the box of the assembled tent and purses her lips. “I think your legs might stick out, but the rest of you will fit.”

I ruffle her hair. “Sounds perfect. It’s a date.”

I look up and catch Nora’s eye over Olivia’s head and share a secret smile with her. As much as I’m genuinely looking forward to reading with my niece in her fort, I really want my next date to be with Nora. I know we have a busy week ahead, but my birthday is only a few days away. Maybe I could take her out for a special night that we’ll both remember forever.

32

NORA

That was pretty much the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. I never would have expected a single guy to be able to put together such a thoughtful gift that, frankly, almost any little girl would love. Heck, I’d still like to have a reading tent with cozy blankets and fairy lights. It would be the centerpiece of my apartment and I’d never want to come out—who needs a job?

The party moved inside once the gifts were opened and the food cleaned up, everyone ready for a few minutes in the air conditioning. I lean into Alex’s side and pat his chest as we watch Olivia walk by, wrapped in one of her new fuzzy blankets.

“Good job, Xander. I think you impressed the birthday girl with your gift.”

“Thank you, Rose. I aim to please.” He tightens his grip on my hip and shoots me a look that makes me wonder if there’s any double meaning to his comment.

“I was thinking,” he says, leaning down so only I can hear his quiet words. “We should go on a date.”

I glance up at him, a slow smile curving up my lips. “I think that sounds like an excellent idea. When did you have in mind?”

“My birthday is next week,” he tells me, and I try to act surprised. This is exactly what Maddy said would happen.

“Oh, really? I didn’t know that.”

“So I was thinking we could go out for a birthday dinner after I get off work.”

“I can’t,” I say quickly. “I’m working late.”

He gives me a bemused smile. “You didn’t even hear what day it is yet.”

“I guess I didn’t,” I say, forcing a chuckle to cover my discomfort. I won’t be pursuing a career as an undercover operative anytime soon. I don’t know how I kept that secret from my parents for so long. I’m about to blow this surprise party in less than two hours. “But I have the late shift every day this week.”

“Oh, sure,” he says. “Yeah, no problem. Maybe next weekend?”

“Yeah, that should work.” I stifle a sigh of relief. Disaster averted, although my deception did cost me. I actually have the early shift on Monday and Wednesday, and now, thanks to my big mouth, I won’t be hanging out with Alex those evenings. But it will be worth it to see the look on his face when he walks through the door on Friday.

“But then that means I won’t see you all week.” Alex frowns. “Maybe we could have a breakfast date instead. How about Monday? I know a place that makes fantastic eggs benedict.”

Thank goodness, because a week sounds long to me too. “I can’t wait.”

We stay a little longer, chatting with Alex’s family, and just as we are about to take our leave, Olivia reminds Alex of his promise.

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